Moving a piano or grand piano: what you really need to know
Why a piano is never "just another piece of furniture"
An upright piano typically weighs between two hundred and three hundred kilos, a grand can run up to five hundred kilos or more. That weight is also unfairly distributed: most of it sits in the cast-iron frame and the strings at the top, which means the instrument can tip or sag if improperly supported. On top of that, a piano is extremely sensitive to shocks, temperature changes and humidity. A bump against the side can disturb the tuning; a fall of just a few centimetres can crack the frame — damage that cannot be repaired without losing the instrument's value. For a digital or entry-level piano that's annoying; for a grand, a vintage Steinway or a family heirloom it's a disaster. So without exception: never move a piano with friends and a rented van. Not because it's impossible, but because the risks are too high for both the instrument and yourself. Back injuries from an improperly lifted piano are one of the most common moving accidents. A specialised moving company with the right experience is not a luxury but a necessity.
Which type of instrument do you have and what does it mean?
Not every piano needs the same approach. A spinet or upright is the smallest type, around one hundred and ten centimetres tall. This is relatively the easiest to move — two or three experienced movers with a piano dolly can usually handle it. A studio or cabinet upright is taller, larger and heavier and often requires four people and a moving lift if the home isn't on the ground floor. A grand piano is another story: due to its length (ranging from a baby grand around one hundred and fifty centimetres to a concert grand near three metres), the instrument rarely fits through doors or staircases without partial disassembly. The legs are unscrewed, the pedal console is removed and the grand is laid on its side on a specialised grand piano skid. This is precision work that should only be done by specialists. A digital piano or stage piano sits somewhere between a regular upright and an audio device in terms of weight and fragility: it's manageable without a piano specialist, but the electronics still require careful packing in original foam or a well-padded flight case.
Preparation: what do you do in advance?
Although the physical move is the specialist's job, much of the preparation is yours. Start by measuring every passage: doorways, corner turns in hallways, stairs, balconies and — don't forget — the dimensions at the new address. A piano that comes out smoothly at the old place doesn't automatically fit through the new front door. Take clear photos of the instrument from multiple angles before the movers arrive, including any existing scratches or damage. This is essential for insurance. Close and lock the keyboard with the key if there is one. You should never disassemble a grand piano yourself — leave the legs and pedal to the specialists, because incorrect unscrewing damages the frame. Make sure the walking route is completely clear: roll up rugs, mark thresholds, remove fragile furniture. Ask whether a moving lift is needed — for a piano above the first floor, almost always. And don't forget the practical things: arrange a parking permit for the moving van, reserve any lift service in the apartment complex and inform neighbours if the route runs through shared spaces.
The specialist's equipment and techniques
A professional piano mover comes with serious equipment. The piano dolly or skate is a low, wide flatbed with multiple wheels that carries the full weight of the instrument — not the people. For a grand piano, there's a separate grand piano skid, sometimes with a built-in tilting function. Strong straps and padded blankets protect the lacquer and keep the parts in place during movement. On stairs, a stair-climbing lift or specialised stair walker is used; raw "carrying down" is almost never done because it loads the instrument unevenly. For a higher-floor home, a moving lift via the balcony or window is usually the safest route. With a grand, the team works as a well-oiled crew: one person steers, two or three balance the weight, and someone always checks the route for obstacles. A good mover doesn't place the instrument in its final spot immediately on arrival: a piano needs at least twenty-four hours to acclimatise to the new room's temperature and humidity before tuning. With any serious instrument, factor in a piano tuner visit as standard — a move without re-tuning is not a complete move.
Insurance, quotes and choosing the right mover
Not every moving company is suited to a piano or grand, and you need to ask explicitly. At every quote conversation ask concretely: how many pianos do you move per year, what equipment do you own yourself, and do you have references from previous customers with similar instruments? A general mover who can "do a piano too" is not a safe choice for a valuable instrument. Get three quotes specifically for piano moving and compare not just price but what's included: disassembly, transport, reinstallation, initial tuning, insurance and any temporary storage. The insurance is critical. Standard moving insurance often covers only a limited amount per item, far below the value of a serious instrument. Ask for an appraised-value declaration of your piano or grand and make sure the additional all-risk cover matches that specific amount. Keep the purchase invoice, any appraisal reports and photos of the current condition. For an instrument with emotional or historical value it's wise to call your insurer in advance and notify them of the move — some home contents policies require this. A good piano mover actively walks through these steps with you; if they brush off insurance quickly, look elsewhere.
About Vermaat Verhuizingen
Vermaat Verhuizingen has moved private clients and businesses across the Netherlands for more than 30 years. Our articles are written from this hands-on experience — from narrow Amsterdam staircases to international moves. More about us →
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